Semester of Change

Photo by Rebekkah Wamser

As September begins, college students from all around the nation are slowly getting back into the swing of things. Fall athletes are gearing up for season openers and some students have already taken an “L” on their 8 a.m. classes. You can find all sorts of mixed feelings about the school year at this time, from seniors looking forward to their last few credits before graduation, to freshmen, who honestly don’t want to think at all.

Starting your first year of college comes with challenges of its own. Out-of-State students either love it or hate it in Kansas, and students from larger towns and cities have to adjust to living in a smaller setting. No matter what the case, it takes time getting back into a schedule. One thing that has helped freshman Desire Manning is an alarm clock.

“Alarm clocks are important, and that’s my biggest tip,” Manning says.

Abby Warren and Jenna Schultz both agree that finding a decent sweet tea around here is hard. Schultz, who is from Texas says that even though it “might sound crazy, the temperature is way better.” This perspective comes in handy when she starts to miss home.

On the other hand, some students say they haven’t experienced any feelings of homesickness. Angel Garrett has nothing but positive things to say when asked how she was making the adjustment from high school to college.

“It’s definitely very different from high school,” she says, “but to me it’s better because you are taking classes that will get you to where you want to be in life.”

College has also forced some students to step outside their comfort zones, Garrett included.

“It’s a really fun experience with friends; you’re forced out of your comfort zone and you can meet some really great people,” she says.

Overall, freshman say they have had hardly any trouble adjusting to their new life away from home, and many have high hopes and a positive outlook for this upcoming year.